Mongolian traditional art of Khöömei
Title
Mongolian traditional art of Khöömei
Alternative Title
Монгол ардын Хөөмэйн урлаг
Publication Type
Language
mon
eng
Location
Mongolia
Keywords
Khöömei
Form of singing
Sound
Kharkhiraa
Isgeree
Relevance to ICH Safeguarding
ICH Genre
Description
Inscribed in 2010 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Khöömei is a form of singing originating in western Mongolia, in the Altai mountains. The performer imitates sounds of nature, simultaneously emitting two distinct vocal sounds: along with a continuous drone, the singer produces a melody of harmonics. Khöömei literally means pharynx, and it is believed to have been learned from birds, whose spirits are central to shamanic practices. The multitude of Khöömei techniques in Mongolia are grouped within two main styles: the kharkhiraa (deep Khöömei) and isgeree Khöömei (whistled Khöömei).
Publisher
National Center for Cultural Heritage
Place of Publication
Mongolia
Date of Publication
2022
Academic Field
heritage management
Community/Ethnic Group
Mongolia
Active Contribution
Mongolia, FY 2024